Reverend Earl Banning recounts his experiences as a man of God with certifications and interests in mental health and social welfare: from his beginnings in San Francisco to his eventual place as Pastor of Braeswood Assembly of God in Houston....

Born in D'Lo, Simpson County, Mississippi, on September 26, 1910, Nathaniel "Bill" Barnes had an inborn gift of singing. Despite having no formal education in reading or writing music, Barnes could pick up and sing songs from hearing others sing....

After teaching for the Houston Independent School District, Tom Bass was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1962. During his time as a representative, Bass was a member of the "Dirty Thirty," in opposition to the corruption...

Philanthropist and social activist, Jane Blaffer talks about the social life in Houston during the first half of the 20th century. She talks about the philanthropic contributions of her family as well as people like the Cullens, Imma Hogg, James...

Not a native Houstonian, Mrs. William W. Bland came to Houston when she was 20 years old. She loved music and the opera. The Houston Grand Opera and the Opera Guild was founded in 1955, and she was asked to head the Guild. Very active in...

By answering an ad in the Houston Press, Rosalie Clements became an employee of the Shamrock Hotel, which opened on Saint Patrick’s Day, 1949. She began working as an assistant to the hotel’s developer, Glenn McCarthy, and later ran a successful...

Contains an excerpt from Frederick Olmstead's "A Journey Through Texas", which describes his travel by horseback through the state. Also includes an excerpt from "Diary & Letters of Josiah Gregg", which describes Gregg's experiences in the Houston...

Bob Eckel's interest in politics started early, when got involved in the political aspect of teachers' organizations. In 1960 he was elected to the HISD Board. He ran for the Commisioner's Court and got elected. According to Eckels, his proudest...

Jane Ely describes her career as a journalist working for the Houston Post. She talks about gender discrimination in her field, the coverage of the J.F. Kennedy assassination, and other events that made news at the time.

Robert M. Eury was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the steward for Houston's redevelopment and revitalization. For 26 years he served as President of Central Houston, Inc. and worked on many projects on community planning in Houston and the...

Frances "Sissy" Farenthold, lawyer, member of the Texas Legislature (1968-1972); twice candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination (1972 and 1974); first female nominated as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. vice presidency (1972);...